Data Analysis and Data Visualization as Active Learning in Political Science

Authors

Alexis L. Henshaw, Duke UniversityFollow
Scott Meinke, Bucknell UniversityFollow

Publication Date

2018

Journal

Journal of Political Science Education

Volume

14

Issue

4

First Page

423

Last Page

439

Department

Political Science

Comments

While data analysis and the related skills of data management and data visualization are important skills for undergraduates in the field of political science, the process of learning these skills can also be used to develop critical thinking, encourage active and collaborative learning, and to apply knowledge gained in the classroom. Drawing on our experiences using data work in upper-level courses in International Relations and American Politics, we discuss how data work and quantitative analysis can be incorporated into subject-based (i.e., nonmethods specific) courses, and how it can also enhance critical reasoning skills. An evaluation of this approach using direct and indirect assessment is included.

Link to Published Version

https://doi.org/10.1080/15512169.2017.1419875

Recommended Citation

Henshaw, Alexis L. and Meinke, Scott. "Data Analysis and Data Visualization as Active Learning in Political Science." Journal of Political Science Education (2018) : 423-439.